4.6 is Preventative maintenance

[mightymetro]

Hi all

New to the X5 world after purchasing a 4.6is on 100k. 

I have always tried to look after my cars and try to keep on top of any issues.  With my last 911 i had the IMS bearing and RMS seal done as a matter of general maintenance just for peace of mind.  My only thoughts are that it is a fine balancing act between how much to spend on preventative maintenance compared to just general fingers crossed and hope for the best.  An example would be spending 4k on preventative maintenance on the 4.6is considering the value of the car may not be worth it, where 1.5k would be (If that makes sense to you?)

The car has a  supposedly FSH??? with various garages but i dont really trust Service books as far as you can throw them.  Assuming the car has had regular oil changes and basic servicing is there anything that you would recommend as preventative maintenance on the X5 V8 with 100k?

I have tried to read up on this but there are thousands of pages of it from here and America and wondered in real life experience of this forum could maybe narrow it down slightly.

My first thoughts are
Automatic gearbox oil and filter change

Anyone like to add to the list?

Thanks in advance

[X5LAW]

Have you factored in the cost of a "good" warranty?

How long do you plan to keep the car?

I took mine to a trusted garage and asked them to go over it and tell me what it needs or will need soon. Fewer surprises that way

[Greydog]

Our first X5 was a 4.4 the current a 4.6 both cars had FSH at the time of purchase. Before buying I found locally a BMW specialist and talked to him about any issues plus the research I did, after purchase I had all fluids changed engine, diffs, transfer box and gearbox and brakes. Suspension bushes will also need inspection these are heavy cars so they get a hard life.
The 4.4 needed Suspension bushes the 4.6 has just developed a creak so will need looking at and changing. With the 4.6 I changed the timing chain tensioner after reading on the internet again preventative and at £45 a simple DIY job. Who knows if it was necessary but it does give me peace of mind and both my garage and I have a base line we are confident in.
The X5 was brought to pull a horse box and provide me with shoot transport with room for the dogs. (touch wood now) both are (were the 4.4 died when a tree fell on it) reliable and comfortable.
I would go with a full fluid change and careful check of all bushes and change as required. Then enjoy

[centurion]

welcome and nice purchase btw ... I have owned 4.8is for no. of months now and have done quite a few jobs on it thus far. Suggestions that came up were all in order and i'd certainly follow them plus do couple more,

- do the once over on the engine to check sign for oil leaks... rocker cover gasket, vacuum pump leak, leaking housing on an oil filter etc.
- bushes - check those thoroughly and would also recommend doing a 'wheel alignment' as tyres may be costly to replace
- check CV joints and more importantly rubber CV gaiters on drive shafts as they are prone to cracks
- brakes and replacement of brake fluids (i'd seriously consider this if it hadn't been done)
- although many do not like to come near this it would be worth at least inspecting the state of the air suspension/struts... I recently replaced rear set with Arnott and it is a diff. vehicle altogether now even though I haven't had problems with mine a priori. Simply they were worn out and 'inadequate'.
- check for vacuum leaks and worn pressure regulating valves (PRV's)

I'm sure other would add more as time goes on... they are great machines and do not like to be (left) neglected .

ENjoy your motor and keep us posted how it goes...

[AW8]

Change fluidS , worn belts, soft/flat pcv hoses, tired &/or hard to access coolant hoses

On a 4.4i I would say rocker gaskets need keeping an eye on.

Remove and flush washer reservoir and clean it's filters. Keep an eye on pas hose. Water pump and stat change may be wise.

Electrics - wise to replace front indicator wire connectors and bulbs as not easy to change. Check rear cluster contacts for corrosion.

Not preventative but be prepared - Keep a role of duct tape for failed window regulators and maybe a length of rope in case a door carrier fails so you can tie door shut until fixed...(don't yank a frozen door handle -it will break the carrier). Keep a spare dip headlamp bulb handy and maybe a small socket set with a decent extension.(front indicator bulb change needs headlamp out).

Hoses Belts and water pump failure can cause consequential issues. Most other failures are more cost effective to deal with as and when they arise or at early stages of any gradual failure.

[IanP]

Change all of the hoses. And if you are bored do the camchains and guide blades

[mightymetro]

Thank you for all your advice.

Unfortunately the car has developed a quite heavy oil leak.  There is oil literally everywhere underneath the car and it is hard to see exactly where it is coming from.  When looking up you can see drops forming at the corners of the rocker covers, but no tell tale signs of it running down the block.  Had it on ramps and the garage just cannot pinpoint it.  It is going to have the rocker gaskets replaced on Thursday and then see how it goes from there.  Im hoping it is not RMS.  There is oil in the bell housing, but not everywhere so im hoping it is the wind blowing the oil from the undertray into the holes O:-)

As a side note.  When i took the top engine cover off the air hoses at the back of the engine were perished and split in 2!!!!!!!!!  they just break apart if you touch them so have ordered an oil / air seperator, prv valve and the connecting hoses.  Will have a go at fixing those myself next weekend.

Well, a baptism of fire for X5 ownership